I've bought something defective from a shop - what are my rights?

You're protected by the Sale of Goods Act which says any goods sold must be:

• of satisfactory quality
• fit for purpose
• and as described

If something you've bought is defective, get in touch with the seller as soon as you can. The sooner you tell them, the better your chances you'll get all your money back.

Stop using the goods immediately.

If the fault happens within six months of you buying the goods, the trader has to prove that they were not faulty when you bought them. After six months, you have to prove it.

If goods are faulty, the seller must offer you either:

• Free repair
• Replacement
• Credit note. Only accept a credit note if you want to buy a replacement in the same shop - you don't have to take it.

You don't have to accept any of these - you can insist on getting your money back.

If you decide to allow the trader to repair the goods, you will not have lost any rights to have your money back later if the repair is unsuccessful.

You might be able to claim compensation if the fault has caused damage. For example, if your new washing machine has destroyed a load of clothes.

You can ask the seller to collect faulty goods unless your contract states otherwise.

If you pay for goods by credit card and the cost is more than £100, you can ask the credit card company to refund you. If you've paid less than £100, but the seller has made express written or oral promises about the goods you may still be able to make a claim from the credit card company.

If a retailer suggests you can't return faulty goods they are committing a criminal offence.

If you have a complaint regarding a retailer which you've been unable to resolve then you can contact Consumer Direct for help and assistance.